Format XML, validate it, or convert it to JSON?

Match your XML job to the right tool: readable indentation, structural validation, or a documented JSON mapping.

XML that looks fine can still be malformed, and XML that is valid may be easier to consume as JSON. These tools cover the checks in order: does it parse, is it readable, and what does the equivalent JSON look like under a stated mapping policy?

Validate before you format

The formatter parses the document locally and refuses to pretty-print malformed markup, so a successful format is also evidence that tags close in the right order. Entity handling stays safe: text is shown, not expanded into new markup.

Format for humans, not for the parser

Indentation changes whitespace between elements, which can matter for mixed content. Format a copy when the consumer treats whitespace as data, and keep the original bytes for signing or checksum comparisons.

Convert with the mapping policy in view

XML to JSON follows an explicit mapping policy rather than inventing an interpretation. Read the stated rules for attributes, repeated elements and text nodes before trusting the output, especially if another system will convert it back.

Tools covered in this guide

XML Formatter & Validator
Pretty-print and validate XML with entity-safe local parsing.
XML to JSON
Convert XML to JSON under an explicit, documented mapping policy.
JSON Formatter & Validator
Pretty-print, minify, and validate JSON with line-precise errors.

Frequently asked questions about XML handling

Does formatting XML change its meaning?

Usually not, but indentation adds whitespace between elements. If whitespace is significant in your document, format a copy rather than the signed or canonical original.

Why did my XML fail to format?

The formatter validates while it indents, so a mismatched or unclosed tag stops the process. Fix the reported structure first, then format again.

Is XML to JSON lossless?

Not necessarily. The converter applies a documented mapping, and comments, processing instructions or mixed content may not have a one-to-one JSON equivalent.